Something “miraculous” happened as far as Chezka Centeno was concerned on her way to reclaiming the 2025 WPA Women’s 10-Ball Championship crown in Bali, Indonesia over the weekend.

Heartbroken and weary after a series of near misses in tournaments over the past months, Centeno admitted she was anxious and uncertain heading into the competition.

“For the past four months, I’ve been competing non-stop, reaching three finals and falling short in two. I kept telling myself it was okay… but deep inside, the fire started to fade,” Centeno confessed in a lengthy social media post moments after her victory.

“I began doubting myself and feeling anxious. I lost confidence, my mind would go blank during matches, and I would lose early. It was one of the toughest stretches of my career, a quiet battle within myself,” she added.

Her self-doubt intensified after yielding in her second match to Chinese Taipei’s Chen Chia Hua, 4-3, 2-4, 4-1, relegating her to the loser’s bracket in the double-elimination preliminaries. The loss wounded her so deeply that she almost thought about giving up.

Then one morning, something shifted. She woke up feeling renewed, and from there, delivered a string of stellar performances over United States’ Savannah Easton, 4-0, 4-3; Taiwanese standout Wei Tzu-Chien, 4-0, 3-4, 4-3; and Vietnam’s Vang Bui Xuan, 4-0, 4-2, to secure a spot in the knockout stage.

From there, Centeno was unstoppable. She eliminated defending champion Kristina Tkach in the Last 16, 4-3, 2-4, 4-1, 4-1, rallied past Chinese Taipei’s Wang Wan-Ling, 1-4, 3-4, 4-1, 4-0, 4-1, and held her nerve against China’s Liu Shasha, 4-3, 4-3, 4-3, to set up an all-Filipino final against Amit.

Battling a familiar rival who happens to be a close friend was never easy. It took Centeno five sets to prove her worth and seize what was once hers.

“The victory is one of the miracles of my life,” she said.

“I wasn’t at my best, but He (God) prepared me for this moment. I’m still in awe of how it all unfolded, and I know without a doubt it was all Him. God is good and faithful!” she added.

More than just securing an individual accolade, Centeno said she was honored to bring another title home to the Philippines. She hoped her victory would not only help elevate the women’s sport in the country, but also shine a brighter spotlight on women athletes.

She also commended Amit for her performance and dedication.

“Congratulations also to Ate Rubilen 'Bingkay' Amit. She played exceptionally. Big respect for her passion and great showing,” she said.

Overall, it was a campaign to remember for Centeno, as the triumph rekindled the self-belief she had nearly lost.